Antonio Nusa just announced himself to the entire footballing world. The 20-year-old Norwegian forward unleashed a right-footed curler from outside the penalty area in the 39th minute against Ivory Coast, watching it bend perfectly into the top corner of the net to give Norway a 1-0 lead in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The strike wasn’t just pretty. It was historically significant, marking Norway’s first knockout-stage World Cup goal in 88 years, dating all the way back to 1938.

Nusa also became the youngest-ever men’s World Cup scorer in Norway’s history.

The rise of Nusa

This didn’t come out of nowhere. Nusa had already built a reputation during European qualifiers, establishing himself as one of Norway’s most dangerous attacking threats well before the World Cup squad was finalized. He was included in Norway’s 26-man roster announced on May 21, 2026, a selection that now looks like one of the most straightforward decisions the coaching staff made all year.

At club level, Nusa plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.